“No One Approached Me”—Lessons From a Mystery Visit

Overall, how friendly would you say the church was to you during your visit?
I didn’t exactly feel like anyone reached out to me. Sometimes people feel uncomfortable speaking to a person alone. It should be the opposite.

Would you return to the church?
I am used to a different experience, but a lot of people liked this church atmosphere. It had a great diversity with involved young people. I would recommend it to people who did not grow up with a traditional church background. Those who did may be interested in a change of pace. Anyone searching for a traditional service will not care for this.

ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS

Was the nearby community aware of the church?
I stopped at a nearby convenience store. I asked two employees, but neither knew where it was nor had they heard of it.

How was the seating?
The seating was just like a movie theater and that’s exactly what it felt like. The church was almost filled to capacity, so I was surrounded by others.

How clear was the church signage?
The church’s signage was clear and the parking lot had spaces exclusively for guests. The entrance to the church was clear and everything inside was laid out well, including the children’s area.

How was the postservice atmosphere?
Everyone seemed extremely social at the end of the service. A lot of people knew each other well. Again, no one reached out to me although I was obviously alone.

How would you rate the information resources?
They provided a myriad of information concerning various ministries, missions and campaigns. They used technology well and have a comprehensive website that explained in detail all aspects of their ministry. The only thing missing was a visitors’ card. The cards were supposed to be in each seat; however, the card was missing from the seat I chose.

What is your overall impression?
To be perfectly honest, I felt that in such a modern church I would’ve felt more welcome because it seemed like an open and caring place at first sight. Having said that, the people who were socializing were those who already had well-established relationships. They didn’t appear to pay attention to anyone else.

Check out more Mystery Visitor reports »

Mystery Visitor
Mystery Visitorhttp://faithperceptions.com

Mystery Visitor reports on an unannounced visit to a local church. The "Mystery Visit" church profiles are adapted from reports by Faith Perceptions, which has evaluated more than 3,500 worship services across the United States.

Is It Really Necessary to Memorize Scripture?

Memorizing a chapter is easier than memorizing 18 scattered verses because most chapters are a flowing story.

How to Identify and Handle a People Problem

You improve people problems by improving people.

E Pluribus Unum?

God delights in our diversity and calls us to pursue reconciliation wherever needed.